Timberwolves vs. Knicks Prediction and Odds (Expect Another Low-Scoring Game for New York)

The New York Knicks were the only of my four NBA Best Bets to not come through on Monday, but it wasn’t because of their defense. 

New York allowed just 97 points in the loss to the Charlotte Hornets, but they turned the ball over 15 teams and shot just 40.0 percent from the field in the loss. 

Now, New York hosts the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second game of a back-to-back. 

The Knicks are just 2-4 against the spread as a home underdog this season, but can they change the tide on Tuesday?

Here are the latest odds via WynnBET:

Timberwolves vs. Knicks Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Timberwolves -2.5 (-110)
• Knicks +2.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Timberwolves: -140
• Knicks: +115

Total:

• 213 (Over -110/Under -110)

Timberwolves vs. Knicks Prediction and Pick

The Knicks won the first game between these two teams with the Timberwolves down Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards, but the Wolves will look much different in Tuesday’s matchup. 

I don’t trust New York at home, but I do trust it to slow the game down and play defense, as the Knicks are dead last in the NBA pace this season and have the league’s No. 2 defensive rating since Christmas. 

The Timberwolves aren’t bad defensively either, ranking ninth in the NBA for the season despite playing at the league’s No. 4 pace this season. 

I’m going to take the under in this game, as I think this is going to be a defensive battle in New York. The Knicks have had a combined total of 213 points or less in nine of their 12 games since Christmas, and it is worth noting that the last three games between these teams have all gone under 204 points. 

Tom Thibodeau’s team is going to try and muck things up to come away with a win and split this back-to-back. 

Lean: Knicks-Wolves UNDER 213 (-110)